Hopkins shows improvement, will go through concussion protocol

The Texans are encouraged by the initial progress of rookie wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

The team’s first-round draft pick exited a preseason victory against Miami on Saturday due to a head injury.

“He’s doing better (Sunday) and we will start the (concussion) protocol,” Texans head coach Gary Kubiak said Sunday during a media interview.

Hopkins returned to the locker room before halftime Saturday to be evaluated. About five minutes after he’d been taken in, the former Clemson standout was ruled out of the game. He late confirmed he took a blow to the head but didn’t remember any details and was not allowed to officially speak with media. Hopkins was in a good mood postgame, though, and was seen joking with teammates.

The rookie wideout had two receptions for 22 yards before the injury and has 74 receiving yards in two preseason contests.